Chicago Cubs veteran David Ross heads for dugout all alone

AT 38 years old — and having played in the majors since 2002 — David Ross should know better than this.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs talks with David Ross #3 on the mound in the sixth inning against the New York Mets during game one of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 17, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

AT 38 years old — and having played in the majors since 2002 — David Ross should know better than this.

The veteran Chicago Cubs catcher made a fool of himself, forgetting the count in the National League Championship Series game four against the New York Mets.

At the top of the sixth inning, with the Cubs trailing 6-1, Ross caught what was only strike two from relief pitcher Travis Wood, and headed for the dugout.

He jogged all the way to the dugout — all alone — before he was reminded there was still one strike to go.

Where you going David Ross 😂😂#cubsvsmets #NLCS2015 pic.twitter.com/OSnk3i4UCD

— Billy Vine (@Billy_Vine1023) October 22, 2015

The Mets went on to win 8-3, securing their spot in the World Series for the fifth time and first since 2000 by sweeping the Cubs 4-0.

New York got another standout performance from Daniel Murphy and early home runs by Lucas Duda and Travis d’Arnaud off Chicago Cubs starter Jason Hammel.

Murphy’s two-run home run in the eighth inning was his sixth consecutive playoff game with a long ball — a major league record.

In the American League Championship Series, Toronto pitcher Marco Estrada allowed only one run over 7 2/3 innings as the Blue Jays thrashed Kansas City 7-1 to stay alive in the MLB playoffs.

The Royals remain ahead 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, which returns to Kansas City for game six Friday.

“It means the world,” Estrada said of his effort.

“We’re not done. I know we’re still down one but we know we still have a job to do. It’s not over.”

Either the Royals or Blue Jays will face the Mets in the World Series.

Originally published as Chicago Cubs veteran David Ross heads for dugout all alone